(CNN) – Rapper Nashawn Breedlove, best known for appearing in a rap battle against Eminem in the 2002 film “8 Mile,” has died at the age of 46.
His mother, Patricia Breedlove, confirmed his death in a Facebook post published Tuesday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my beloved son, Nashawn Breedlove. Many of you knew him by his pseudonym ‘Lotto, OX,’ a name that reflected his resilience and determination,” she wrote.
“Nashawn was a rapper, singer, songwriter and actor. Nobody could deny his talent,” the post continues.
Breedlove said her son was “an extraordinary man” whose “departure from this world has left a huge void in my life that cannot be fully expressed in words.”
It is unclear how Breedlove died, but his death sparked tributes from other music industry figures.
“RIP or one of the few emcees who surpassed Eminem…Lotto from 8 Mile, whose friends affectionately called him OX,” rapper Mickey Factz wrote in an Instagram post, referencing the scene from the film in which he competes a rap battle against Eminem’s character.
“We will miss their tenacity and aggressiveness,” he added.